Objective: To investigate the role of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGFbeta1) and the sex hormones in the follicular fluid (FF) on the day of ovum pick-up (OPU) during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) cycles.
Methods: FF and the oocytes were obtained from the follicles of 90 women undergoing ovulation stimulation in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. TGFbeta1, estradiol, progesterone, and lutropin concentrations in the FF samples collected during transvaginal oocyte retrieval were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The maturity and fertilization of the oocytes were observed, and ultrasonography performed to confirm clinical pregnancies 4 weeks after the embryo transfer.
Results: In the FF containing mature oocytes, progesterone and lutropin concentrations were significantly higher than those in the FF with immature oocytes. The mean concentrations of TGF beta1, progesterone and lutropin in the FF from fertilized subjects were obviously higher than those in the FF from non-fertilized subjects (P < 0.05), and in subjects with pregnancy, higher mean concentrations of TGFbeta1 and lutropin were detected as compared with the concentrations measured from non-pregnancy subjects (3 631.4+/-1 426.3 pg/ml and 0.74+/-0.25 mIU/ml vs 2 189.2+/-1 180.4 pg/ml and 0.52+/-0.29 mIU/ml respectively, P < 0.05). Estradiol concentrations in the FF seemed to undergo no obvious changes during the whole procedure, and evinced no significant differences between the groups.
Conclusion: Higher lutropin and progesterone concentrations in the FF on the day of OPU may promote oocyte maturation, while TGFbeta1 and lutropin levels appear to be associated with the maturation and fertilization of the oocytes, and may be indicative of the IVF outcome.